As a nurse for over twenty years, I believe that there are some critical factors in retaining nurses. Employees want to know they\’re in a supportive environment where their voices will be heard; they need front-line managers who value their input (Suarez, 2021). The hands-on nurses are in the thick of it, so to speak, their insight should be encouraged to promote a safe work environment and best patient practice. Offer educational opportunities and tuition reimbursement for job advancement (Suarez, 2021). Studies have shown that nurses with certifications and BSN or MSN have better patient outcomes and are more confident in their skills. Lastly, recognize and reward RNs that work hard and are loyal (Suarez, 2021). As nurses, we often see people at their worst; positive words of encouragement and recognition from co-workers and managers can go a long way to improve employee satisfaction.
How would you recruit additional nurses?
Recruitment is a deliberate and coordinated effort to ensure a competent and required number of staff members to meet the goals and provide the HCO\’s services (Finkelman, 2020). The goal is to hire staff that meets the position description criteria, reduce turnover risk and ensure work is done effectively (Finkelman, 2020). One source of recruitment would be nursing students. Our facility has many nursing programs that do their clinical here; thus, we can obtain nurses that see that our facility is flexible, supportive, and offers job advancement. Another way to recruit additional nurses is word of mouth. When a nurse is satisfied at her workplace, she will let other friends, often other nurses, know, increasing the number of job applicants.
What do you think the future of the nursing workforce will look like in 50 years?
A nursing shortage is nothing new. However, supply and demand are increasingly getting worse. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated that there will be over a million job openings for nurses by 2022 (\”The Nursing Shortage: Who Is at Risk?\”, 2021). Another study found that a nursing shortage will be in effect through 2030. Nurses\’ demand can be traced to greater access to health and an aging population, including many nurses heading into retirement (\”The Nursing Shortage: Who Is at Risk?\”, 2021). Add to that the fact that many potential students are turned away despite increasing nursing school applicants because there are not enough teachers to accommodate students\’ volume. Being a nurse is demanding and rewarding. Despite the nursing shortage, it will continue to be a fantastic profession full of caring and compassionate people.
Reference
Finkelman, A. (2020). Leadership and management for nurses (4th ed., p. 262). Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliates.
Suarez, L. (2021). How to Recruit and Retain Nurses Who Love Their Job | HealthcareSource. HealthcareSource Blog. Retrieved 16 February 2021, from http://education.healthcaresource.com/recruit-retain-engaged-
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